Those beautiful autumn leaves you’ve been admiring are not so pretty when they’re clogging your gutters. Acorns, leaves, branches, and other debris have a way of piling up, leading to blockages that can cause water damage and costly repairs. Enter gutter guards—a practical solution that keeps debris out while letting rainwater flow freely. Here’s a quick guide to gutter guards, including why autumn is the best time to check and clean your own gutters.
What exactly are gutters?
Gutters are channels along the edge of your roof that direct water away from your home. They include downspouts that bring water down to the ground, moving it at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation. When gutters get clogged, they no longer work the way they should. Water could stay pooled in the channels or move in ways that negatively affect your home. Clogged gutters can lead to expensive problems: soil erosion, basement flooding, structural damage, roof damage, siding damage, and foundation issues. A buildup of debris could also increase the risk of a fire. Luckily, there is an easy way to protect your gutters from getting clogged – gutter guards.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are many different types of gutter guards. Some can be self-installed, and others require a professional. Below is a brief description of the main kinds along with their pros and cons. (Check the warranty on your shingles before you install a gutter guard that requires attaching directly to shingles with screws or nails as that could potentially void it.)
Screen Guards
This is like a window screen for your gutters. The screen keeps out debris while the holes let the water pass through.
Pros: These guards are affordable and can be self-installed.
Cons: Dirt and small debris can still pass through the screen and get in your gutter. These guards need to be removed and cleaned at least once a year.
Micro-mesh Guards
Micro-mesh guards are like screen guards, but with holes that are much tinier. They are particularly good at keeping out pine needles and dirt, which can slip through larger openings. These guards are usually made of stainless steel and other durable materials.
Pros: Micro-mesh guards are low maintenance, and long lasting. They are easy to clean and should be cleaned every 3-12 months.
Cons: They require professional installation.
Reverse-Curve Guards (Surface Tension Guards)
These guards are attached beneath the shingles, and they go over the gutter and curve back a little. The curve creates a hood, so debris doesn’t get into the gutter, but the unique design lets the water seep through.
Pros: These are long-lasting and low maintenance guards.
Cons: Reverse-curve guards require professional installation. They also are highly visible and could affect your home’s aesthetic.
Brush Guards
These guards are made of stiff brushes that point up inside your gutters. The bristles catch debris as the water passes through.
Pros: They are easy to install and remove for cleaning.
Cons: These guards require frequent cleaning. Small debris can get caught in the brushes’ bristles, and these guards can be tough to clean as a result.
Foam Guards
This triangular-shaped foam fits inside your gutter to prevent leaves and other debris from lodging there. It’s usually made from polyurethane and has a spongy texture that allows water to flow through. Some foam guards restrict water flow more than others.
Pros: These are affordable and easy to install. They are good at blocking large debris.
Cons: Small debris can enter through gaps between the foam and gutter walls. The foam also can break and is susceptible to mold due to dampness. These need to be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on weather conditions in your area.
DIY vs. Professional
Should you install your own gutter guards or hire a professional? Here are some things to consider.
Choose DIY gutter guards and install them yourself if:
- You want or need to save money.
- You’re generally handy and comfortable on a ladder.
- Your roof is easy to access.
- You like the choices available for DIY. You can find most at your local home improvement store.
Hire a professional to install your gutter guards if:
- You have the budget for professional installation, and you prefer the convenience.
- You want a warranty to show the installation was done correctly and that will address potential future issues.
- You want a higher quality gutter guard than is available DIY.
- Your roof is unusually steep or is difficult to access.
- You have concerns about doing it yourself.
Before the Installation
The best time to install gutter guards is late summer and early fall. This helps prepare for the large volume of leaves that start coming down during the season. Before the installation, you will want to clean and check your gutters.
Cleaning your gutters is part of fall home maintenance. It helps to ensure that your home is ready for winter storm season and severe weather. Here’s a quick overview of how the process is done.
- Gather your supplies: a bucket for debris, trowel or gutter scoop, garden hose with spray nozzle, latex or waterproof gloves to protect your hands from wet debris, safety eyewear, and a sturdy ladder.
- Start at the downspout. Use your gloved hand or a trowel to remove leaves, twigs and packed material.
- Then go up to roof level on your ladder. Use your gloved hand to clear large debris like leaves or twigs. Use the trowel for compacted debris.
- Remove and clean the downspout strainer.
- Flush the downspout and the gutter with water from your hose.
- Look for leaks, making sure water flows freely through the downspout. You will want to repair any issues before you add gutter guards.
- Inspect your gutter for rust spots or peeling paint which could show signs of deterioration. Again you will want to address any issues and potentially replace those parts before adding the guards.
- Look for mold or mildew near the foundation which could mean water is getting in there. That could signal a larger problem.
Ready to start the project?
Once you have clean gutters without any issues, you are ready to protect them with gutter guards. Measure your gutters so that you will be able to purchase the right length of gutter guards. If you’re doing a DYI installation, make sure to fully read and understand the instructions. Watch tutorials and online customer reviews for a heads up on potential mistakes. Know that installing gutter guards can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. If you’re choosing a professional installation, make sure to get several estimates and ask for references to avoid scams.
Your home is your greatest investment. Keep it fully protected for added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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